Many learners lose points not because their grammar is bad, but because their writing lacks clear structure, logical flow, or consistent written style (문어체).

In this episode, Eliza explains how graders scan essays, what they look for first, and why clarity matters more than “advanced” grammar. If you’ve ever felt frustrated thinking “My writing isn’t that bad, so why is my score low?” — this episode will help everything finally make sense.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔ How TOPIK graders read essays - What graders focus on — and what they don’t care about as much as you think.

✔ Why many learners lose points without realizing it - Common issues like unclear topic sentences, weak connectors, and mixed speaking/writing styles.

✔ The difference between spoken Korean and written Korean (문어체) - Why writing the way you speak can lower your TOPIK score.

✔ One powerful “Think Like a Grader” rule - A simple mindset shift that instantly improves how you approach TOPIK writing.

✔ How to review your own TOPIK essay more effectively - A low-pressure self-check you can use with essays you’ve already written.

Key TOPIK Writing Concepts Covered:

• TOPIK essay structure
• Topic sentences and logical flow
• Writing consistency (문어체)
• Common TOPIK writing mistakes
• Clarity vs advanced grammar
• How TOPIK essays are evaluated

Practice

Take one old TOPIK essay you’ve written and check:

1. Do I have a clear topic sentence?
2. Are my ideas logically connected?
3. Is my writing style consistent throughout?

You don’t need to rewrite — awareness alone improves writing quality.

What’s Next

For listeners who want to go deeper with structured lessons and real feedback, enrollment for the TOPIK II Writing Confidence Program opens this Friday, December 19, 2025.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, make sure you’re on the waitlist.

👉 Join the waitlist here → https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist

⭐ If You Enjoyed the Episode…

Please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. It helps more Korean learners discover the podcast and feel supported on their TOPIK journey.

Connect with Me

• 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/
• 📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
• 💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

If you feel like TOPIK Writing is confusing, overwhelming, or just “too hard”… you’re not alone.
In this episode, Eliza explains the real reasons TOPIK Writing feels difficult — and why it has nothing to do with your intelligence or Korean ability.

You’ll hear a simple, beginner-friendly Korean story about a common TOPIK mistake (writing exactly like you speak)… and you’ll learn how to shift from spoken Korean to written Korean (문어체) in a clear, stress-free way.

Finally, Eliza gives you one of her signature frameworks for Level 4–5 writing, so you can instantly improve your next TOPIK essay.

Whether you’re preparing for TOPIK II, struggling with sentence flow, or just want to feel confident writing in Korean, this episode will help everything “click.”

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔ Why TOPIK Writing feels hard (it’s not your fault!)
The three major reasons most learners struggle — and how understanding them changes everything.

✔ The difference between speaking Korean and writing Korean (문어체)
A simple Korean story demonstrates why spoken patterns (like “너무… 너무… 너무…”) don’t work for TOPIK.

✔ How to avoid the “childish writing” trap
Common Level 3–4 mistakes and how to fix them.

✔ A simple TOPIK Writing structure you can use immediately
Eliza teaches a clear framework: Topic → Reason → Example → Ending
Perfect for TOPIK Level 4–5 tasks.

✔ A mini writing challenge to build confidence
Learn how to express a negative experience or inconvenience in a logical, TOPIK-friendly format.

Key Korean Expressions From the Episode:

• 말하기 스타일 — speaking style
• 문어체 — written/formal style
• 논리 흐름 — logical flow
• 부담이 크다 — to feel burdened
• 계획을 조정하다 — to adjust a plan

Perfect for learners who want practical vocabulary for TOPIK essays.

Your Weekly Writing Challenge:

Think of one small inconvenience you experienced this week (e.g., transportation issue, weather, schedule issue).

Write a short paragraph using the TOPIK structure: Topic → Reason → Example → Ending.

Small practice grows big confidence.

Want Personalized Feedback on Your TOPIK Writing?

The TOPIK Writing Confidence Lab opens very soon.
If you want to write clear, logical, Level 4–5 essays with guidance and supportive feedback:

👉 Join the waitlist here → https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist

You'll be the first to know when doors open + receive special bonuses.

Prefer reading while you listen?

I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!
→ Read this episode on Substack

⭐ If You Enjoyed the Episode…

Please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. It helps more Korean learners discover the podcast and feel supported on their TOPIK journey.

Connect with Me

• 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/
• 📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
• 💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

December is the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and look back at your Korean learning journey.

In today’s gentle episode, Eliza helps you realize something important: You improved more in Korean this year than you think.

We explore a simple, personal story from Eliza’s life in France — a moment that revealed how language growth often happens quietly and naturally. Then, we break down three signs of invisible progress that Korean learners often miss.

Whether you’re preparing for TOPIK, learning Korean for daily life, or rebuilding your study routine, this episode will help you feel proud of how far you’ve come.

You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more grounded, and more confident for the rest of your Korean journey.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
1. Why language progress is invisible in daily life and why that’s normal for all learners — even experienced ones.
2. Three signs you improved your Korean in 2025 including understanding more, feeling meaning, and noticing mistakes.
3. A simple Korean story to help you reflect told at an A2–B1 friendly pace for listening practice.
4. Key Korean expressions used in the episode:

• 익숙해지다 (to become familiar with something)
• 자연스럽게 나오다 (to come out naturally)
• 작지만 중요한 변화 (a small but important change)

5. A gentle reflection challenge to end the year intentionally and recognize your own growth.

Reflection Challenge

Write down two tiny moments in 2025 when you felt even a little bit of Korean progress. (Yes — even a 3-second moment counts.)

Join the Korean FLOW Club

If you want structured, low-pressure weekly Korean practice — combined with real Korean stories, speaking prompts, and a warm learning community — you can join anytime:

👉 Korean FLOW Club → https://www.joaacademy.com/the-korean-flow-club

If you enjoyed this episode…

Please consider:
→ Leaving a review on your podcast app
→ Sharing the episode with a friend
→ Posting about it on Instagram or Threads (and tagging me!)

Your support helps more Korean learners find this podcast and feel confident on their journey.

Prefer reading while you listen?

I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!
→ Read this episode on Substack

Connect with Me

• 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/
• 📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy

❤️ If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying for TOPIK! It helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and keeps this community growing.